when to pick a pepper

can anyone tell me when bell peppers should be picked. the peppers have been hanging there not really getting any bigger for a while, but they aren't very big and they look as though they have some filling out to do. how do you tell if they're ready?

thanks

 

kt, all bell peppers start off green so obviously red, yellow, orange etc are not ripe until their true colour comes out. Sometimes they just do not make a full bell shape but should be solid and free from wrinkles in which case they are getting over ripe. I have had full bell shaped and flat disc shapes on the same plant but my seed is just Asda'a dried out from last winter so may not produce perfect peppers every time. Have you fed them with a potash feed (tomato fertiliser)? They should be fed once a week when the fruits are developing. The cooler evenings from now on might so them down even more so keep them as warm as possible.

 

LOL, I wish I had the opportunity to have to think about this - mine haven't even flowered! Oh well, you win some you lose some...

 

Claire, I grow mine at work in a large greenhouse (mostly empty this time of year) and far better conditions than a small garden greenhouse so I have an advantage you might say. When I retire in a few years I will have to grow peppers and everything else as you do in a small greenhouse or windowsill. No doubt I will struggle and be on here asking for advice not giving it.
Don't give up.

 

Thanks for the encouragement Strongylodon - actually I remember you mentioning this in another thread I think. And yes, I'll definitely have another go at some peppers next year! I only have one of the mini-greenhouses, just a frame with shelves and a soft plastic cover. I ended up leaving it open most of the year to stop it getting too hot, next year I think I'll try to shade it more and keep it closed at night - plus be more careful about watering and feeding... still, I did get a few delicious tomatoes and a couple of chillies.